THE number of active Covid-19 cases in the Kouga region more than tripled over the past week, leading to a renewed call on residents to adhere to the prescribed safety measures.
According to the latest statistics from the Department of Health, the number of active cases in Kouga increased from 28 on Wednesday, June 17, to 90 on Tuesday, June 23.
While the bulk of the active cases are located in Humansdorp and Loerie, all parts of Kouga are affected and residents have been asked to exercise extreme caution when going out in public.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Horatio Hendricks, said in a video update on Sunday that whole families were testing positive for the coronavirus, highlighting the importance of adhering to safety precautions.
“People are going out, getting infected and then coming back home where their families then also contract the virus.
“It is now more important than ever that we protect ourselves and our families by washing our hands regularly, wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing when in public.
“Also avoid touching your face with unwashed hands as this is one of the main ways the virus enters the body.”
Hendricks said one of the reasons for the spike in cases was staff testing positive at the Humansdorp Hospital.
By Tuesday, June 22, a total of 35 staff, including, doctors, nurses, administrative personnel and cleaners, had already tested positive, with more tests results being awaited.
In the meantime, the municipal units at Main Street, Humansdorp, and Hankey also had to be closed this week until further notice after staff working in the buildings tested positive.
Hendricks said the main municipal building in Jeffreys Bay was also closed on Wednesday for precautionary decontamination but was expected to re-open on Thursday.
The St Francis unit was not affected and has been open for business as usual.
The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Kouga region stood at 127 on Tuesday this week, including the 90 active cases, 36 recoveries and one death.
Hendricks wished those affected a speedy recovery and expressed his condolences to the family who lost a loved one to the pandemic.
